Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls – Fresh, Flavorful & Meal Prep Friendly
When you’re craving a balanced, colorful, and restaurant-style dinner at home, these Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are a perfect choice.
Juicy marinated steak pairs beautifully with zesty cilantro-lime rice, creamy avocado, and vibrant veggies. It’s a customizable bowl that works for family dinners, meal prep, or even party buffets where everyone builds their own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of Flavor – Steak marinated with lime, garlic, and cilantro.
- Nutritious Balance – Protein, healthy fats, and carbs all in one bowl.
- Meal Prep Ready – Perfect to pack in containers for the week.
- Customizable – Swap steak for chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Restaurant-Style at Home – Bold flavors with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs flank steak (or skirt steak)
- 3 limes (juice + zest, divided)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice/quinoa)
- 1 cup corn kernels (grilled or roasted)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Marinate Steak: In a bowl, combine juice of 2 limes, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add steak, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
- Cook Steak: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook steak 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to desired doneness. Rest for 10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Prepare Rice: Toss cooked rice with juice and zest of 1 lime plus a handful of chopped cilantro. Fluff with a fork.
- Cook Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté bell pepper slices until slightly charred. Warm corn if using roasted kernels.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with steak slices, corn, peppers, avocado, and salsa if using.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Variations
- Low Carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
- Extra Heat: Add jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Mediterranean Twist: Use quinoa, feta, and tzatziki.
- Family-Style: Serve everything on platters for DIY bowls.
Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
Juicy lime-marinated steak served with cilantro-lime rice, colorful veggies, and avocado in these fresh and flavorful Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls. Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, mix lime juice, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Marinate steak at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Heat skillet or grill pan. Cook steak 4–5 minutes per side to desired doneness. Rest and slice thinly.
- Toss cooked rice with lime juice, zest, and cilantro.
- Sauté bell pepper slices until slightly charred. Warm corn if needed.
- Assemble bowls with rice, steak, corn, peppers, avocado, and salsa.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
Notes
For meal prep, store steak, rice, and toppings separately to keep fresh. Reheat steak quickly to avoid dryness.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with tortilla chips and salsa.
- Add a drizzle of chipotle mayo or crema.
- Serve with black beans for extra protein.
- Perfect for summer BBQs or casual dinner parties.
Storage
- Store steak and rice separately for best results.
- Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight containers.
- Reheat steak quickly to avoid drying out.
- Rice bowls are meal-prep friendly for grab-and-go lunches.
Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 3g
